This course will cover the development of the messianic idea from
its antecedents in the Book of Daniel and intertestamental
literature to the aftermath of the messianic heresy of Sabbatai Zvi
in the mid seventh-century and culminate with the contemporary
messianism of the Israeli settler movement. We will discuss the
development of the messianic idea as it changed in response to
historical events. We also look at Jewish messianism in light of
Christian and Muslim messianic movements.
Requirements: Three short papers, midterm, and final.